The Taipei based King Shih Architects realised the center for this year’s International Floral Expo in Taipei, a horticultural event authorized by AIPH and hosted by Taipei City Government. The complex includes a Gift Shop Pavilion, an Outlook Pavilion and the Expo Hall with its stunning meshed roof that has a span of up to 65 m.

Site Plan
“A diagonal circulation system formulates the Area into exhibition lots of triangles and hexagons. An east-west major path connects a footbridge to the west and a tunnel to the east that lead to other areas. A North-south major path leads visitors to corners in this Park. Several existing landscape elements are kept and become an auxiliary circulation.
Expo Hall is located on southern side, easily accessible from the street for its need of stage installation. Gift Shop Pavilion is located at a critical point of visitors’ route on the north. Outlook Pavilion is on an existing terrain to the east that overlooks the Park.”

Expo Hall
“The structure is a web of uniform depth composed of (1) primary arch member with spans that varies from 35 to 65 meters, and (2) secondary net member that spans diagonally. This arrangement makes use of the strength of the cocoon-like shell and reduces 15% unit steel weight compared to truss structure.
These structural members form a pattern of triangles and hexagons, which is further accentuated by two tones of polycarbonate panels along with curtain wall extrusions. Hollow section of the 25mm thick panel provides certain thermal and sound insulation.
The 1200-seating is arranged in concentric layout to provide the shortest as well as most even sightlines. Four colors are chosen for the seating, and arranged in linear pattern to echo the knitting motif.
The Hall is with natural light and ventilation, spot cooling is provided only at stage area. Vehicles may enter from service entry on the back and reach stage area for stage installation.
The space carries a clear orientation in relation to its surrounding while the sheltering sphere carries a sense of floating lightweight like a balloon.”

Gift Shop Pavilion
“To provide unobstructed view of the Park, the Pavilion is composed of six flower-shaped units, with three one-story and three two-story units that have no peripheral columns. Each unit is cantilevered, umbrella type of steel structure composed of triangular and hexagonal shapes with only one central column shaft that also provides mechanical services, reminiscent and also functions like the stem of a lotus plant.
An open, weaved bamboo screen is the only definition of boundary. There is a shallow pond in front to provide separation from visitors’ path and also reflection of the pavilion. Indigenous fabric pattern is applied on tile arrangements on the wall as well as the pond.”